FAQ
Do you have questions about the STORM variometer? Find answers to the most frequently asked questions here. If you still need help, feel free to contact us.
Battery & Charging
// What is the real battery life?
STORM is equipped with a 500 mAh Li-Polymer battery that provides around 200 flight hours. For many pilots, that is enough for an entire season without thinking about charging.
// How do I know when the battery is low?
As soon as the energy level becomes critical, the variometer alerts you with a distinct sequence of three short beeps at regular intervals.
// How do I charge the device and how long does it take?
Charging is done through the USB-C port on the side of the unit by connecting it to any standard 5 V source (phone charger, computer, power bank). A red indicator light turns on while charging and switches to green once charging is complete, after about 2 hours.
General & Philosophy
// Who is STORM for?
STORM is designed for all paragliding pilots: beginners, regular pilots, schools, and clubs. It also works very well as a secondary or backup variometer for experienced pilots.
// Is STORM made in France?
Development, electronic design, and final assembly are all carried out in France. Some specific electronic components come from international suppliers.
// Is it suitable for beginners and school flights?
Yes. Its ease of use (switch it on and fly), robustness, very long battery life, and affordable price make it especially well suited to new pilots, as well as schools and clubs.
Specifications & Durability
// What are STORM's dimensions and weight?
STORM weighs 28 grams and measures 50x36x18 mm. Its compact size lets it fit discreetly on any cockpit setup without cluttering it.
// How precise is the variometer?
STORM measures vertical speed with 8 cm/s precision. However, it starts beeping only from 30 cm/s by default: detecting weak lift and choosing when to alert the pilot are two different things.
// Is the device waterproof or water-resistant?
No, STORM is not waterproof and must not be submerged. If it is accidentally exposed to moisture or rain, switch it off immediately and let it dry completely in open air before turning it back on.
// Can I connect STORM to a phone or tablet?
No, STORM does not include Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. To record your tracks, we recommend using XCTrack, which relies on your phone's GPS and less precise altimeter.
// What heat precautions should I take?
Because it contains a high-density Li-Polymer battery, the device must never be exposed to temperatures above 50 C (120 F). Never leave it in direct sun on a launch cockpit or inside a vehicle in summer, to avoid any risk of overheating.
Usage & Audio Signals
// How does the device's single button work?
To avoid accidental startups at the bottom of the harness, powering on and off is done with a short press immediately followed by a long press. While the device is on, a long press lets you cycle through and change the sound volume.
// How does STORM indicate air mass variations?
The device uses intuitive audio signals. The beep rate speeds up as lift gets stronger (from 3 beeps/s at +1 m/s up to 9 beeps/s at +8 m/s). The zero zone is intentionally silent so it does not overload pilot attention.
// Is there a sink alarm (air mass trend)?
Yes. STORM includes a strong sink alarm that triggers a continuous low tone as soon as vertical speed reaches or exceeds -2 m/s. This option can be enabled or disabled very easily with three short button presses.
// Can I adjust the beep trigger threshold?
No. The beep trigger threshold is fixed and cannot be changed. It is set to 30 cm/s by default to avoid false triggers in turbulent air.
// Where and how should I mount the variometer?
The compact unit can be attached to a harness shoulder strap, to a helmet, or directly to the cockpit using the included Velcro straps. Important: for safety reasons, you must use the included lanyard, since Velcro alone cannot guarantee fail-safe retention in flight.
Warranty & Legal
// What warranties are included with purchase?
Under French law, STORM is covered by the statutory conformity warranty (Art. L. 217-3 of the French Consumer Code) and the warranty against hidden defects (Art. 1641 of the French Civil Code). Please note: opening or disassembling the device immediately voids your warranty.